Conduct Disorder

What is conduct disorder (CD)?

Conduct disorder is a behavior disorder, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by antisocial behaviors which violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules. Antisocial behaviors may include irresponsibility, delinquent behaviors (such as truancy or running away), violating the rights of others (such as theft), and/or physical aggression toward others (such as assault or rape). These behaviors sometimes occur together; however, one or several may occur without the other(s).

What causes conduct disorder?

The conditions that contribute to the development of conduct disorder are considered to be multifactorial, with many factors (multifactorial) contributing to the cause. Neuropsychological testing has shown that children and adolescents with conduct disorders seem to have an impairment in the frontal lobe of the brain that interferes with their ability to plan, avoid harm, and learn from negative experiences. Childhood temperament is considered to have a genetic basis. Children or adolescents who are considered to have a difficult temperament are more likely to develop behavior problems. Children or adolescents from disadvantaged, dysfunctional, and disorganized home environments are more likely to develop conduct disorders. Social problems and peer group rejection have been found to contribute to delinquency. Low socioeconomic status has been associated with conduct disorders. Children and adolescents exhibiting delinquent and aggressive behaviors have distinctive cognitive and psychological profiles when compared to children with other mental health problems and control groups. All of the possible contributing factors influence how children and adolescents interact with other people.

Who is affected by conduct disorder?

The disorder is more common in boys than in girls. Children and adolescents with conduct disorders often have other psychiatric problems as well that may be a contributing factor to the development of the conduct disorder. The prevalence of conduct disorders has increased over recent decades.

What are the symptoms of conduct disorder?

Most symptoms seen in children with conduct disorder also occur at times in children without this disorder. However, in children with conduct disorder, these symptoms occur more frequently and interfere with learning, school adjustment, and, sometimes, with the child's relationships with others.

The following are the most common symptoms of conduct disorder. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The four main groups of behaviors include the following:

Aggressive conduct. Aggressive conduct causes or threatens physical harm to others and may include the following:

Intimidating behavior

Bullying

Physical fights

Cruelty to others or animals

Use of a weapon(s)

Forcing someone into sexual activity, rape, molestation

Destructive conduct. Destructive conduct may include the following:

Vandalism; intentional destruction to property

Arson

Deceitfulness. Deceitful behavior may include the following:

Lying

Theft

Shoplifting

Delinquency

Violation of rules. Violation of ordinary rules of conduct or age-appropriate norms may include the following:

Truancy (failure to attend school)

Running away

Pranks

Mischief

Very early sexual activity

The symptoms of conduct disorder may resemble other medical conditions or behavioral problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is conduct disorder diagnosed?

A child psychiatrist or a qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses conduct disorders in children and adolescents. A detailed history of the child's behavior from parents and teachers, observations of the child's behavior, and, sometimes, psychological testing contribute to the diagnosis. Parents who note symptoms of conduct disorder in their child or teen can help by seeking an evaluation and treatment early. Early treatment can often prevent future problems.

Family therapy. Family therapy is often focused on making changes within the family system, such as improving communication skills and family interactions.

Peer group therapy. Peer group therapy is often focused on developing social skills and interpersonal skills.

Medication. While not considered effective in treating conduct disorder, medication may be used if other symptoms or disorders are present and responsive to medication.

Prevention of conduct disorder in childhood

As with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), some experts believe that a developmental sequence of experiences occurs in the development of conduct disorder. This sequence may start with ineffective parenting practices, followed by academic failure, and poor peer interactions. These experiences then often lead to depressed mood and involvement in a deviant peer group. Other experts, however, believe that many factors, including child abuse, genetic susceptibility, history of academic failure, brain damage, and/or a traumatic experience influence the expression of conduct disorder. Early detection and intervention into negative family and social experiences may be helpful in disrupting the development of the sequence of experiences that lead to more disruptive and aggressive behaviors.